Rupp Pfalzgraf founding partner Tony Rupp was recently featured in Buffalo Business First for his role in a legal dispute involving Mister Sizzle’s, a popular Buffalo restaurant now at the center of a federal court case.
Mr. Rupp represents operating partners Casey and Chris Casas in a trademark infringement lawsuit that could shape the future of the restaurant. The case focuses on Mister Sizzle’s trademark, which Casey Casas registered in October 2021. The lawsuit claims that their business partner, John Pantalena, has improperly used the trademark for other entities, leading to customer confusion. Tony argues that federal court is the proper venue for resolving the issue.
This trademark case is just one part of a broader legal battle. Pantalena initially filed a state lawsuit alleging unauthorized financial actions by the Casases, while the Casases have countersued in federal court.
The legal fight has already disrupted business operations. Plans to expand Mister Sizzle’s to Clarence and Hamburg have been halted, and the Hamburg location closed shortly after its opening. Mr. Rupp also noted that the original Connecticut Street location could close by February, as it is currently operating on a month-to-month lease.
With mediation scheduled for January and several motions still pending, the future of Mister Sizzle’s remains uncertain.
Tony Rupp leads our Business Litigation group, providing strategic guidance to businesses as they navigate complex and high-stakes legal disputes, as seen in this case.
Read more about the case on Buffalo Business First.
